Hos 11:1 When Israel was a child, I showed love to him, and from Egypt I called after my son.
Hos 11:2 The more they were called after, the more they strayed away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to images.
Hos 11:3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I was the one who healed them.
Hos 11:4 I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who slackens the pressure of the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.

straying from love

The LORD wants the Israelites to know that all he has ever done is love them, but they kept straying away from his love and care. He wants his children today to see the signs of his love, and return them.